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Self-certification

Self-certification is “certification by the individual, and replaces standard certification” (DPR 445/2000). It gives the individual citizen the opportunity to provide the same information provided by a public entity, but in a simplified manner. For self-certification, the individual drafts and signs his/her/their own statement of facts, status, and personal details for use in interactions with government officials and providers of government services.

Self-certification for interactions with private individuals or entities are accepted at the discretion of the said private entity.

On January 01, 2012, law n.183/12.11.2011 entered into effect providing for new rules (art.15) governing certificates and self-certification. As of that date, government offices may no longer request or accept third-party certificates, and may only accept self-certification. Third-party certificates will only be valid between private subjects.

All Italian citizens and citizens of European Union (EU) countries may use self-certification. The option of self-certification is also available to citizens of countries outside the EU who are legal residents of Italy, limited to information that is verifiable or certifiable in Italy by government offices.

Self-certification can be used in interactions with government offices and with providers of government services.

Self-certifications, as per articles 46 and 47 of Law n.445/2000, may be signed in front of the delegated public official or may be submitted or forwarded previously signed provided that they are accompanied by a non-certified copy of an identification document of the person self-certifying. They cannot be used in interactions with private organizations unless the said organization consents thereto or before judicial authorities in the exercise of their judicial duties.

Self-certification may be used for all statements of personal status, events, and facts of which the individual has direct knowledge. The said declaration can also refer to circumstances pertaining to other individuals of whom the declarer has direct knowledge; it can also certify copies of original certificates or documents kept or issued by a government office, copies of publications, of diplomas or degrees or service records, or copies of taxation records that are kept by private bodies.

 

Self-certification (art.46 of DPR 445/2000) can replace the standard third-party certificates for:

  • fulfillment or non-fulfillment of military duty, including as envisaged at art. 77 of DPR n. 237/64, as modified by art. 22 of law 958/86;
  • absence of criminal conviction;
  • fulfillment of specific fiscal obligation(s), with amount;
  • citizenship;
  • social insurance number or VAT identification number;
  • date and place of birth;
  • death of a spouse, ancestor or descendent;
  • university or state examinations taken;
  • certificate of life (esistenza in vita);
  • voting rights and ability to hold elected office;
  • registration on public service rolls or lists;
  • membership in associations or social groups of various types;
  • birth of a child;
  • military service status;
  • professional qualifications or degrees;
  • homemaker status;
  • status of legal representative, guardian, trustee and other similar capacities, for individuals or legal entities;
  • retired status and pension category;
  • student status;
  • dependent status;
  • tax registry data;
  • certificate of residence;
  • income or financial information required for eligibility for benefits or other support provided by special legislation;
  • marital status (single, married or widowed);
  • employment status;
  • family composition;
  • possession of diploma or license;
  • training or re-training certificates;
  • technical diplomas;
  • diplomas or degrees obtained;
  • all vital statistics information of which the individual has direct knowledge.

 

Are there cases in which self-certification is NOT accepted?

Yes. Self-certification is not accepted for the following types of certificates:

  • medical;
  • health;
  • veterinary;
  • of origin;
  • EC conformity;
  • trademarks or patents.

 

How to provide Self-certification:

Self-certification can consist of a certificate written and signed by the individual or he/she/they may use a specific self-certification form (signatures do not need to be witnessed.)

Also, documents, certificates, etc., may be forward directly to Italian government offices via fax, post, or email.

In cases where the public office doubts the veracity of the self-certification, the office is responsible for verification.

False statements or declarations are punishable by law according to the criminal code (art. 76 DPR 445/2000). The individual also forfeits any benefits acquired as a result of the false statement.

 

Uses of self-certification:

Individuals may use self-certification for all statuses, facts, and personal information that are not certifiable by a government authority, pursuant to art.47 of DPR 445/2000. The said self-certification can refer to circumstances regarding other individuals of whom the declarer has direct knowledge, and may also be used to certify the copy of a publication.

Self-certification may be made by declaring facts, statuses or personal information of which the declarer has direct knowledge before a public official delegated to receive such documents, or before a notary, municipal official or other officer so delegated by the mayor. In the case of facts, statuses or personal information certifiable by another government office, if the administration deems it necessary to verify the veracity of the statements, it has 15 days from the date of the declaration to request the necessary documentation.

 

Validity of self-certification standard certificates:

Self-certification declarations have the same value as the documents they replace.

Usually, the said certificates are valid for six months from the date of issue, unless a longer period of validity is accorded by law or other regulation. The validity of certain certificates can be extended if the declarer states that the information contained therein has not changed and signs the declaration to that effect. Certificates and declarations attesting to personal details that are not subject to change (birth, death, degrees and diplomas, etc.) have no expiry.

 

Cases in which a government office CANNOT request certification from individuals:

For the verification of information regarding surname, name, date and place of birth, citizenship, marital status, and place of residence, the presentation of an identification document is sufficient.

The information can be registered by means of an uncertified photocopy of the said document. If the document is expired, the bearer must declare, on the margins of the photocopy, that the information in the document has not changed since the date of issue.

 

Sanctions for making false statements

If the government office has doubts regarding the veracity of the self-certification, it is responsible for verification. False statements are punishable by law according to the criminal code (art. 76 DPR 445/2000). The declarer also forfeits any benefits acquired as a result of the false statement.

The following are valid identification documents:

  • Passport;
  • Driver’s License;
  • Boating license;
  • Pension booklet (libretto di pensione);
  • License to operate heating systems;
  • Firearms permit;
  • Identification documents issued by government offices, with photograph and official stamp.

If the document is expired, the bearer must declare, on the photocopy of the document, that the information has not changed.